friend "Us the Folks," reproduced in almost every charter of our national
government, as thus:--

"WE THE PEOPLE of the United States, in order to form a more perfect
union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for
the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the
blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and
establish this Constitution for the United States of
America."--_United States Constitution, Preamble_.

"WE THE PEOPLE of Maine do agree," etc.--_Constitution of Maine_.

"All government of right originates from THE PEOPLE, is founded in
their consent, and instituted for the general good."--_Constitution
of New Hampshire_.

"The body politic is formed by a voluntary association of
individuals; it is a social compact, 'by which THE WHOLE PEOPLE
covenants with each citizen, and each citizen with the whole people,
that all shall be governed by certain laws for the common
good."--_Constitution of Massachusetts_.

"WE THE PEOPLE of the State of Rhode Island and Providence
Plantations ... do ordain and establish this constitution of
government."--_Constitution of Rhode Island_.

"The people of Connecticut do, in order more effectually to define,
secure, and perpetuate the liberties, rights, and privileges which
they have derived from their ancestors, hereby ordain and establish
the following constitution and form of civil